Ted is a 1970s Venice Beach poet who spends his days drifting along the boardwalk, reciting his poetry to anyone who will listen. His life changes when a bikini-clad beauty named Linda strolls by him. Instantly, Ted believes he's found his "Venus" and becomes obsessed with Linda. He tries to woo her with poetry, obscene phone calls and romantic overtures, all to disastrous effect.
Acting
Bud Cort's committed unraveling as unhinged poet Ted.
Production
Gritty 70s Venice Beach time capsule, shot on location.
Direction
Cort's singularly misguided auteur passion project.
Director
Bud Cort
Bud Cort
Ted Whitley
James Brolin
Max Waters
Carol Kane
Colette
Pamella D'Pella
Gloria
Brian Thompson
Herb
Rhea Perlman
Grace
Woody Harrelson
Homeless Vietnam Veteran
Martin Mull
Ted's Attorney
Roberta Wallach
District Attorney
Timothy Leary
Judge William H. Converse
Tricia O'Neil
Judge Katherine Notch
Tony Genaro
Bailiff
Vincent Schiavelli
Publisher
Andrea Martin
Bag Lady
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Bud Cort directed, wrote, and starred in this passion project after Harold and Maude made him a counterculture icon — it effectively ended his leading man career.
The film was virtually unreleased and became a VHS curiosity; it's now studied as a case study in how 70s 'romantic' tropes read as stalking post-#MeToo.
US
